By Victor Kanayo
Spain on Sunday became the new World champions after defeating England in the final of the just concluded Women’s World Cup in Sydney.
It was a final to remember as the match lived up to expectation with both sides squaring up till the last whistle.
As captured by Eurosport, Spanish player Olga Carmona’s lone low strike was all her team needed to lift their first World Cup contested by other 31 teams from participating countries.
Prior to this tournament, Spain had never won a knockout round in a major tournament.
The loss is only England’s second under Sarina Wiegman since her appointment in 2021.
Early in the first-half, both sides had chances. England almost scored after Rachel Daly cut a pass back towards the edge of the area for Lauren Hemp, whose left-footed curled shot smashed off the crossbar.
Spain reacted almost instantly, when moments later Mariona Caldentey powered down the left flank and whipped a cross in for Salma Paralluelo, who scuffed a chance from close range. Her effort deflected into the path of Alba Redondo, but her right-footed strike was poorly taken and parried away by Mary Earps.
La Roja got their opener in the 29th minute, when Carmona overlapped Caldentey and sped down the left-flank before drilling a low, powerful shot into the far-right corner. Lucy Bronze, who initially gave away possession, was out of position, allowing the Spain captain space to receive the ball and score.
In the second-half, Spain were awarded a penalty after a lengthy VAR check deemed that Keira Walsh handled the ball in the box. Jennifer Hermoso failed to double her side’s lead after Earps saved her spot-kick.
England tried to gain momentum after the penalty save, but failed to truly test Catalina Coll as Spain held on to claim the victory and the title.
With the triumph, Spain becomes the only team after Germany to win both Men’s and Women’s World Cup.
Sweden had on Saturday conquered cohost Australia to be placed third in the competition.
